Rash driving took 21 lives in Kinnaur says Magistrate probe

Magisterial probe has revealed that it was negligent and rash driving that caused bus accident recently in Kinnuar district of Himahcal Pradesh killing about 21 people.

Deputy Commissioner Kinnaur Mr. N.K Lath had ordered the magisterial probe on Thursday in which the Sub-divisional Magistrate (SDM) Nichar Neelam Dulta has submitted report. Dulta has also said she has submitted the report to office of Deputy commissioner.

Initial probe hinted rash driving as cause of the accident, which was substantiated by the magisterial probe. Sources say statement of bus owner; driver and passengers were taken on the record that revealed the rash driving as cause of accident.

A private bus – Friends Coach (HP 63-2051) was on its way from Reckong Peo in Kinnaur district to Rampur in Shimla district, and trying to overtake a bus of Suryansh Coach at Nathpa.

While overtaking, the driver lost control and the bus rolled down a gorge. “There was competition between two buses. Bus driver tried to overtake but lost control over it” an injured told the police a day after the accident.

During the magisterial probe statement of driver of suryansh coach was also recorded. Sources also say as per the statements of passengers there was some technical glitch in the bus, which even the driver admitted however the technical committee of public works department has also visited the accident spot.

As per the registration certificate recovered from the wreckage of the bus, a fitness certificate was obtained till 2013, while as per the records available with the transport directorate; the fitness certificate obtained by the bus expired on this July 15.

It was also found out that the bus was tax defaulter and notice from the department of transport was served to the bus owner.